Starting mechanism.



STARTING MECHANISM.

APPLiCATiOH FILED MAY 22. 1913.

MCKEEE.

Patented Nov. 9, 1915.

5 SHEETSSHEET l.

I i I [72067, 7 0 2" W. R. McKEEN.

STARTING MECHANlSM. APPLICATION FILED MAY 22. 1913.

1,159,692 Patented Nov, 9, 1915. v

5 SHEETSSHEET Z- wJW" W. ,R- McKEEN.

STARTING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION man MAY 22. ms.

PatentedNov. 9, 1915.

5 SHEETS*SHEET 3.

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STARTING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION man MAY 22, x913.

Patented Nov. Q1915.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4-.

gang w. R. Mc'KEEN. swims MEGHAMSM. APPUCATION FiLED MAY 22. I913.

Patented Nov. 9, 1915.

5 SHEETSSHE ET 5- aziz yies sea the spark being controlled through a shaft 9 rocked by a lever 10. The details of this mechanisnrare not set forth. inasmuch as the same in itself forms no part of the present invention. As likewise tending to render clearer the general construction of the illustrativeemlmdiment shown. it may be noted that the'gas supply is throttled by a. lever 1 1 connected adja ent the carbureter E1.

Valves 5 and (3 are actuated through levers 12 and 13 and are spring pressed, as by the springs 14, in such manner as to tend to depress the outer ends of these levers. vers 12'are provided at their free ends with links which terminate in rollers 15 co-acting with cams 16, the construction of which will hereinafter be set forth more fully. Levers 13 are in a similar manner connected with links? 17, the rollers 18 of which co-act with cams '19. The cams 1(3 and 19 are respectively mounted upon cam shafts 20 and 21 which are driven its by the chain 22 passing over sprockets or gears 23. It may here be noted that this feature of my invention, as well as certain other features herein shown. are shown described and claimed in my co-pending applications, Serial No. 352,727, filed January 17, 1907, and Serial No. $8,574, filed June 12, 1907, and accordingly are notclaimed herein. Shafts 20 and 21 are mounted in guides so as to permit of a longitudinal sliding movement being imparted thereto by a rockshaft swung by a lever 26. This rockshaft is connected in any desired manne' as by forked cranks and grooved collars with the shafts 20 and 21 to slide the same longitudinally as the lever 26 is swun The latter member is provided with a. hand latch 27 co-acting "ers 15 only upon the corresponding cam shaft 20 occupying one of its extreme positions, that is, corresponding to either notch 29 or notch 30 of the segment 28. In any of the three intermediate notches the latch will hold the shaft in suchv position as to render this cam inoperative. Similarly, cam 19 upon shaft 21 is provided with two projections angularly spaced one from another and adapted to be operative only upon this shaft being set in oneof the above two e9:- treme positions. Inasmuch as the admission valve is thus opened for each revolution of the shaft 2().the latter beingappropriately geared with reference to the'crank shaft to admit of t-eycle operation only upon the projections of cam 16 becoming alined with roller 15, it will be seen that the engine cannot operate as an internal combustion motor unless the cam shafts are swung to their extreme positions. It will also be noted that the exhaust valves (3 remain closed during intermediate positions of the shaft in like manner. Another feature to be noted at this point is that by mcans of the above-described mechanism the gas inlet lvalves are positively opened and held open throughout precisely the desired length df time, a uniformity of charge being thus insured and all tendenqv' of the valves to chatter upon the valve seats done away with.

Theobjects of using angularly spaced projections upon the cams 1t) and 19, as above dcscrib'ed; is to admit of a reversal of the engine as the cam shafts are swung from one elvtremc position to the other by a change of phase of the valves with respect to the crank shaft in the well known manner.

For the purpose of starting the engine above described. itis proposed to employ air or other gas in compressed form and utilize its expansive properties without combustion. The. air is led through a supply pipe 31, controlled by a throttle 232. to valves 33. one of which is or may be positioned adjacent each cylinder 1 of the engine. The stems of these valves are controlled by cams 31 co-acting with anti-friction rollers 35 journaled within the valve stems. Ilach of the cams 3+ is provided with two pairs of projections 36, the projections of each pair being angularly spaced midway between those .of the other pair. These projections are so formed and disposed as to remain inopera tive 'with the cam shaft 21,either in mid position or at one of its extremes. Vhen placed in the intermediate notches 37 or 38, however, these cams alternately raise and permit to fall the corresponding valve stems twice each revolution of the shaft and thus actuate the valves 233. the construction of which will be hereinafter described more fully. It may be. noted at this point that in mid-position all of the. cams 1G, 19 and 34 are inoperative. at extreme. positions, the gas inlet and exhaust cams 16 and 19 are opera tive \vhile the cams 3% are inoperative, and in the positions corresponding to the notches 37 and 38 the cams 34 will operate the air valves 33 and the valves 5 and 3 will remain unactnated.

As more. fully set forth in Patent No.

1.065.2(32. above referred to. the air admission and exhaust valves herein described may be applied to some. but not all of the cylinders of an engine. In such case the cams H3 and 1'3 of the remaining cylinders. that is. of those which operate upon the internal combustion principle only. are made of such nu-asurement in the direction of the axes of the cam shafts that they -\'Ill be in operative relation with the \alvc lifters lite inders has become operative and each of the. same acts under the pressure of the incoming fluid as a single-acting. air engine. the extra movement of the valve necessary for an impulse at every stroke in contradistinction from an impulse at every other stroke, as in t-cycle running. being'gained from the doubling of the number of the projections on the cams 34 with reference to those on the cams 1t; and 19. After the engine has gained sufiicient momentum and after other c -'linders run solely as internal combustion c \'lin(lels. if such are used. have taken up their regular cycle, the shafts 20 and 21 may he shifted to their extreme positions. whereupon the valves 35-5 snap down into their exhaust position and are not raised to admission, thus cutting off the air supply. which may be also turned off at the throttle 32. This movement of the shafts. moreover, releases the stems 58 controlling the check valves 56 and permits the latter to he snapped upwardly under the impulse of springs (52 into closed position. (ams 1t and 10 are. however. shifted into uperative position by this movement of the cam shafts and the. regular inlet and exhaust valves 5 and (3 areactuated, the compression bein; furnished either by the additional cylinders acting under the internal combustion principle if such are used or if not then by the momentum of the parts. The engine is then running under its regular l-rycle mode of operation and may be stopped or reversed by the lever 26 as above described.

It will thus be seen that there is provided apparatus in which the several objects of my invention are attained and the above enumerated advantages are present in a high degree. By the distribution of the 'alve-driving ine'ans upon opposite sides of the engine, all crowding of this mechanism is avoided and the parts are so spaced as to act most etiiciently and to' be susceptible of ready access, as for purposes of inspection, lubrication or adjustment. The complete segregation of the air 'alve mechanism from the gas valve mechanism without the loss of the adaptation of either for use in connection with the other is a feature of marked utility, and the individual construct' lOIl of these mechanisms whereby their tunctlons are accurately and reliably performed is of a, high degree of practical 'alue.

As many changes could be made in the above construction .and many apparently widely ditferent embodiments of this inveli tion could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matters contained in the above description or shown II] the accompanying drawings shall be nterpreted as illustrative and not in a' limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the lan guage used in the following claims is intended to cover all of the novel generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which. as a matter oflauguage, might be said to fall therehetween.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a cylinder, valve mechanism adapted to run said cylinder from a source of compressed fluid supply, a check valve controlling a passage from said valve mechanism to said cylinder, and means adapted substantially simultaneously to hold said check valve open and render operative said valve mechanism.

In apparatus of the class described, in

combination, a cylinder, valve mechanism adapted to run said cylinder from a source of compressed fluid supply, a check ralve controlling a passage'from said valve mech anism to said cylinder-,and a pair-of cams respectively coacting with said valve'mechanism and said valve adapted upon being thrown into a predetermined position to render operative said valve mechanism and open said valve.

3. In appa -atus of the class described, in

combination. a cylinder, :1 source of compressed fluid supply, means comprising a passage leadingfrom said source of com pressed fluid supply to said cylinder, apiston valve disposed within said passage exposed to pressure upon one side and to the exhaust upon the opposite side, means comprising an annular passage about said piston valve connected with said cylinder, said valve being adapted-in one position to open said annular passage to the exhaust and in another position to open the same to said source of compressed fluid supply, and means adapted to reciprocate said valve.

4. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a cylinder, '21 source of compressed fluid supply, means comprising a passage leading from said source of compressed-fluid supply to said cylinder, a piston valve disposed Within said passage exposed to pressure upon one side and to the exhaust upon the opposite side, means com-' prisingan annular passage aboutsaid piston valve connected w1t h sa1d cylinder, said valve being adapted in one position to open said annular passage to the exhaust and in another position to open the same to said, source of compressed fluid supply, and means adapted normally to depress said valve into exhaust position.

5. In apparatus of the class described, in

combination, a cylinder, a source of compressed fluid supply, means comprising a passage leading from said source of compassage pressed fluid supply 0 cylinder, :1 piston valve disposed within said passage, means comprising: an annular passage about said valve connected with said cylinder, said valve being adaprcd upon being raised to Connect said annular passage with said sourre of compressed fluid supply, and upon being depressed ro open a connection between said annular passage and the exhaust, and means adapted alternatively to raise and deprc s said valve.

('1. i apparatus of the class described, in comliiiialion. a cylinder, a source of (our pressed luid supply, nieanscoinprising a calling from said source of coinpresscd iiuid supply to said cylinder, a pissron valve disposed within said passage and exposed upon one side to the exhausgt, means comprising; an annular passage aboutsaid valve connected with said cylinder, a member provided with ports inierposed between said annular passage and said valve. said valve being provided will: ports adapted in a predelierinined position to register with said first mentioned ports and connect said annular massage iviili the exhaust, means adapted lo move said valve to open connection between annular passage and'said source of compressed fluid supply, and means adapted move said vrlve in ilie reverse direction to close said annular passage to said source or compressed fluid supply and open the same to the exhaust.

Z". In apparatus of the class described, in combinat on, a cylinder, :1 source of compressed fluid supply, means comprising a passage leading from said source of compressed fluid supply to said cylinder, a piston valve disposed Within said passage, means comprising an annular passage about said valve connec'led with said cylinder, a member provided i itli ports interposed oetWeen said annular passage and said valve, said valve being provided with ports leading to the exhaust and adapted in a predetermined position to register with said first mentioned ports, means adapted to move said valve to open connection :bEtWQQD said annular passa e and said source of corn-" prcssed fluid supply, and adapted to move said valve in the reverse direction to close. said annular passage to said source of cornpressed fluid supply and open the same to the exhaust, said last mentioned ineans comprising piston exposed to PIQSSUTQflDiH said source of compressed fluid supply adapted to tend to force said valve in a predetermined direction and a curate-riding to move said valve in the opposite direction.

8. En apparatus of the class described, in combination, a cylinder, a source of compressed fluid supply, means comprising a passagevrleading from said source of conipressed fluid supply to cylinder, a piston valve disposed within said passage valve, and a pair of longitudinally sliifta 5' means comprising an annular passage about said valve connected with said cylinder, a member provided with ports interposed lie tween said annular passage and said valve, said valve being 'arovidcd with oorts lead ing to the exhaust and adapted in a prede:

terniined position to register with said first locational ports, and means adapted move said valve to open connection between said annular passage and said source of compressed fluid supply and adapted to move said valve in the reverse direction lo close said annular passage to said source or" compressed fluid supply and open the some?) the exhaust, said last mentioned means comprising a spring and a rain adapted to compress the same.

il. in engine construction, in combination, a cylinder. a source of compressed fluid su ply, means comprising a passage leading from said source of compressed fluid supply to said cylinder, a 'alve disposed Within said passage adapted alternately to open coniinunication between said source of coil s pressed fluid supply and said cylinder, and to open said cylinder to the exhaust, a check 'alve positioned within said passage, means adapted to actuate said first mentioned valve, and means adapted substantially 'Znultaneously to open said check valve and render operative said last mentioned means.

10. In engine construction, conibii 1- tion, a cylinder, a source of compressed 1 supply, means comprising a passage leading from said source of compressed fluid supply to said cylinder, a valve disposed within said passage adapted alternatively to open communication between saidsource of compressed iiuidsupply and said cylinder, and to open said cylinder to the exhaust, a check valve positioned Within said passage, means adapted to actuate said first mentioned cams adapted respectively to be actuated open said check valve and render operative said last mentioned means.

11. "in engine construction, in combina. tion, a cylinder, 21 source of compressed supply, means comprising a passage leading from said source of compressed fluid sup 3 to said cylinder, a valve disposed with' said passage adapred alternatively to open said cylinder to said source of supply and to the exhaust, meanscomprising a cam aclupied to actuate said valve, a shaft upon which said earn is mounted, and means sdapied to shift said cars 0 change the cycle of operation of said valve with a given posiiiou of said cam shaft.

12. tion, a cyl' ider, a source of compressed fluid supply, means comprising a passage lea g from said sdurce of compressed fiuid=supply to said cylinder, a valve disposed Wit'uiu said assa e adapter aliernativelv so ED m in engine construction, in combine;-

said cylinder to said source of supply and to the exhaust, means comprising a cam adapted to actuate said valve, a shaft upon which said cam is mounted, and means adapted to shift said cam to change the cycle of operation of said valve with a given position of said cam shaft, said cam being adapted in an intermediate position to maintain said valve inoperative.

13. In engine construction, in combination, a cylinder, a valve adapted to control the admission and exhaust of a compressed fluid to a passage leading to said cylinder, a check valve positioned within said passage, and positively acting means adapted to actuate each of said valves.

14. in engine construction,"in combination, a cvlinder, a valve adapted to control the admission and exhaust of a compressed fluid to a passage leading to said cylinder, a check valve positioned Within said passage. and independent cams adapted to actuate each of said valves. 1

15-. In engine construction, in combination, a cylinder, a valve adapted to control the admission and exhaust of a compressed fluid to a passage leading to said cylinder, a check valve positioned within said passage, and positivel acting means adapted to actuate each of said valves. said means being positioned upon opposite sides of said cylinder.

16. In engine construction, in combination. a cylinder, a valve adapted to control the admission and exhaust of a compressed fluid to a passage leading to said cylinder, :1 check valve positioned within said passage. and independent cams adapted to actuate. each of said valves, said cams being positioned upon opposite sides of said cylinder.

In testimony whereof I have signed m v name to this specification 1n the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

lVILLIAllI RILEY BIQKEEN. Witnesses i l HORACE C. PUGII, Emv. F. \Vnnnnn. 

